How to select the adhesive vinyl for your project
How to select the adhesive vinyl for your project
Choosing the right vinyl depends on what you are wrapping and how much wear and tear the surface will see. Whether you are tackling a quick DIY furniture update or a full-scale kitchen renovation, we have a solution to fit. Our guide below breaks down the best options for every area of your home or business, helping you decide between our easy-to-use standard range and our heavy-duty architectural grade films.
Cupboards
Vinyl wrapping your cupboards is a cost-effective way to renovate your kitchen. While any of our designs are suitable, your choice depends on the finish you desire.
- Standard d-c-fix®: Most customers choose between plain matte, glossy, or wood grain designs. The matte collection is thinner and recommended for completely smooth surfaces. The wood grain collection features an embossed finish, making it ideal for hiding minor bumps. For medium to large kitchens, we recommend the 67.5cm x 15m rolls to reduce wastage.
- TGA Architectural Grade®: For a truly professional finish, this is the superior choice. With a substantial 0.2mm thickness, TGA vinyl hides underlying imperfections better than any other film. The 122cm width is perfect for wrapping tall pantries or wide drawers in a single piece without joins.
Top Tip: New on-trend colors and textured wood grains often sell out quickly. Generally, we do not find it necessary to wrap the inside of cupboards unless they are frequently left open.
Benchtops
Vinyl wrapping an old benchtop is an easy and affordable way to rejuvenate it. Our films are water and alcohol-resistant, but heat specifications vary by range. The standard d-c-fix® vinyl can withstand temperatures up to 75°C, while the TGA Architectural Grade is rated B1 for flame retardancy, offering a high standard of safety for residential and commercial use.
- Standard Widths: A standard benchtop is usually 60cm wide, making our 67.5cm d-c-fix® rolls ideal. To avoid seams on longer runs, opt for a 5m or 15m roll.
- Wide Islands & Breakfast Bars: This is where the TGA Architectural Grade shines. At 122cm wide, it allows you to cover large kitchen islands and wide breakfast bars in one seamless sheet—no unsightly joins required.
- FPS Benchtop Series: For the highest level of durability, look for our FPS Quartz models within the TGA range. These feature an extra protective layer specifically designed for high-traffic horizontal surfaces.
To prolong the life of your vinyl, use pot protectors and cutting boards (please note: the vinyl is a decorative finish and not food grade certified), lift objects instead of shuffling them, and seal the edges around the hob, sink, and taps with silicone.
Vanity
Adhesive vinyl is resistant to bathroom humidity, making it perfect for giving your vanity a new look.
- Drawer Fronts & Doors: Usually, a couple of standard 45cm x 2m rolls are enough to cover the fronts and side panels.
- Vanity Tops: If you have a deep vanity or want a premium stone look, use the TGA Architectural Grade sold by the meter to ensure a seamless, waterproof finish across the top. Remember to seal all edges with silicone.
Drawers
If you have an old drawer that looks tired or doesn’t match your desired aesthetic, consider wrapping it with vinyl instead of replacing the whole unit. A fresh surface can make a big difference. Standard 2m rolls are usually sufficient for this project, allowing you to easily mix and match designs.
Tables
Applying vinyl on top of a table is a quick project that changes the entire look and makes cleaning easier.
- Small Tables: For coffee tables and side tables, our standard rolls are perfect.
- Large Dining & Office Tables: For large round dining tables or wide office desks, the 122cm wide TGA vinyl is the best option. It allows you to cover the entire surface without a seam down the middle, providing a factory-manufactured look.
Surfaces Wider than 90cm
In the past, covering wide surfaces required overlapping two pieces of vinyl. Now, you have a better option.
- The Seamless Solution: We highly recommend using the 122cm wide TGA Architectural Grade vinyl. This width eliminates the need for joins on almost all standard household surfaces.
- If Using Standard Rolls: If you prefer a design only available in standard widths (45cm, 67.5cm, or 90cm), we recommend using a wood grain design as the pattern helps camouflage the join. Apply the pieces with a 3-5mm overlap, positioning the join furthest from where you usually stand so the eye overlooks it.
Commercial Use
Refurbishing a commercial space? The TGA Architectural Grade collection is the smart alternative to ripping out and replacing fixtures. Originally designed for professional architectural fit-outs, this vinyl is perfect for upgrading office desks, reception counters, hotel furniture, and retail displays.
- Safety Compliant: It is rated B1 for flame retardancy, meeting the strict safety standards often required for public spaces and commercial buildings.
- Business Continuity: Unlike traditional renovations that create dust and noise, vinyl wrapping is quiet and clean. You can refresh your business premises overnight or over a weekend with minimal disruption to your trade.
- Cost-Effective: Achieve a high-end manufactured look for a fraction of the cost of new joinery.
Removal
One of the biggest advantages of adhesive vinyl is that it is fully removable. Whether you are moving out of a rental, ending a commercial lease, or simply ready for a new style, you can revert your surfaces.
- How to Remove: Simply apply heat with a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive, then slowly peel the film away.
- Residue & Damage: The film usually comes off with little to no damage depending on what surface it's been applied to. Any remaining sticky residue can be easily wiped off with hot soapy water or a standard glue remover.
Choosing the right vinyl depends on what you are wrapping and how much wear and tear the surface will see. Whether you are tackling a quick DIY furniture update or a full-scale kitchen renovation, we have a solution to fit. Our guide below breaks down the best options for every area of your home or business, helping you decide between our easy-to-use standard range and our heavy-duty architectural grade films.
Cupboards
Vinyl wrapping your cupboards is a cost-effective way to renovate your kitchen. While any of our designs are suitable, your choice depends on the finish you desire.
- Standard d-c-fix®: Most customers choose between plain matte, glossy, or wood grain designs. The matte collection is thinner and recommended for completely smooth surfaces. The wood grain collection features an embossed finish, making it ideal for hiding minor bumps. For medium to large kitchens, we recommend the 67.5cm x 15m rolls to reduce wastage.
- TGA Architectural Grade®: For a truly professional finish, this is the superior choice. With a substantial 0.2mm thickness, TGA vinyl hides underlying imperfections better than any other film. The 122cm width is perfect for wrapping tall pantries or wide drawers in a single piece without joins.
Top Tip: New on-trend colors and textured wood grains often sell out quickly. Generally, we do not find it necessary to wrap the inside of cupboards unless they are frequently left open.
Benchtops
Vinyl wrapping an old benchtop is an easy and affordable way to rejuvenate it. Our films are water and alcohol-resistant, but heat specifications vary by range. The standard d-c-fix® vinyl can withstand temperatures up to 75°C, while the TGA Architectural Grade is rated B1 for flame retardancy, offering a high standard of safety for residential and commercial use.
- Standard Widths: A standard benchtop is usually 60cm wide, making our 67.5cm d-c-fix® rolls ideal. To avoid seams on longer runs, opt for a 5m or 15m roll.
- Wide Islands & Breakfast Bars: This is where the TGA Architectural Grade shines. At 122cm wide, it allows you to cover large kitchen islands and wide breakfast bars in one seamless sheet—no unsightly joins required.
- FPS Benchtop Series: For the highest level of durability, look for our FPS Quartz models within the TGA range. These feature an extra protective layer specifically designed for high-traffic horizontal surfaces.
To prolong the life of your vinyl, use pot protectors and cutting boards (please note: the vinyl is a decorative finish and not food grade certified), lift objects instead of shuffling them, and seal the edges around the hob, sink, and taps with silicone.
Vanity
Adhesive vinyl is resistant to bathroom humidity, making it perfect for giving your vanity a new look.
- Drawer Fronts & Doors: Usually, a couple of standard 45cm x 2m rolls are enough to cover the fronts and side panels.
- Vanity Tops: If you have a deep vanity or want a premium stone look, use the TGA Architectural Grade sold by the meter to ensure a seamless, waterproof finish across the top. Remember to seal all edges with silicone.
Drawers
If you have an old drawer that looks tired or doesn’t match your desired aesthetic, consider wrapping it with vinyl instead of replacing the whole unit. A fresh surface can make a big difference. Standard 2m rolls are usually sufficient for this project, allowing you to easily mix and match designs.
Tables
Applying vinyl on top of a table is a quick project that changes the entire look and makes cleaning easier.
- Small Tables: For coffee tables and side tables, our standard rolls are perfect.
- Large Dining & Office Tables: For large round dining tables or wide office desks, the 122cm wide TGA vinyl is the best option. It allows you to cover the entire surface without a seam down the middle, providing a factory-manufactured look.
Surfaces Wider than 90cm
In the past, covering wide surfaces required overlapping two pieces of vinyl. Now, you have a better option.
- The Seamless Solution: We highly recommend using the 122cm wide TGA Architectural Grade vinyl. This width eliminates the need for joins on almost all standard household surfaces.
- If Using Standard Rolls: If you prefer a design only available in standard widths (45cm, 67.5cm, or 90cm), we recommend using a wood grain design as the pattern helps camouflage the join. Apply the pieces with a 3-5mm overlap, positioning the join furthest from where you usually stand so the eye overlooks it.
Commercial Use
Refurbishing a commercial space? The TGA Architectural Grade collection is the smart alternative to ripping out and replacing fixtures. Originally designed for professional architectural fit-outs, this vinyl is perfect for upgrading office desks, reception counters, hotel furniture, and retail displays.
- Safety Compliant: It is rated B1 for flame retardancy, meeting the strict safety standards often required for public spaces and commercial buildings.
- Business Continuity: Unlike traditional renovations that create dust and noise, vinyl wrapping is quiet and clean. You can refresh your business premises overnight or over a weekend with minimal disruption to your trade.
- Cost-Effective: Achieve a high-end manufactured look for a fraction of the cost of new joinery.
Removal
One of the biggest advantages of adhesive vinyl is that it is fully removable. Whether you are moving out of a rental, ending a commercial lease, or simply ready for a new style, you can revert your surfaces.
- How to Remove: Simply apply heat with a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive, then slowly peel the film away.
- Residue & Damage: The film usually comes off with little to no damage depending on what surface it's been applied to. Any remaining sticky residue can be easily wiped off with hot soapy water or a standard glue remover.
